Snow joke for Weston cricketers

FOR the first time in Weston Cricket Club’s history, a 20/20 challenge match took place on Boxing Day at the club.

The two teams were led by current first team captain Gary Morgan and former captain Ben Curley.

The game was played in heavy snow, with only the wicket being cleared and was enjoyed by players and spectators alike.

The Curley XI, batting first, got off to an excellent start thanks to some sublime strokeplay by Wilf Huxtable and big-hitting from Justin Turner. Unfortunately, both were dismissed in quick succession by Arron Hawkins and Tom Dancey.

However, good contributions from Tom Court, Pete Lomax and Jalal Ahmed maintained the momentum and a late flurry from John Williams, back from Japan, and Tom Main took the score to 135 in the allotted 20 overs.

The Morgan XI started slowly and despite the captain contributing a useful tally of leg byes, were quickly behind the rate. Wickets continued to fall and the rate further increased despite useful contributions from Sam Curley, veteran Andre Belcher and the mercurial Mark Gingell, eventually falling well short on 78.

A key factor in the victory for the Curley XI was athletic fielding from Ahmed and Rhys Crocker and accurate bowling from Turner, man of the match Huxtable and Terry Horler.

Special thanks go to match sponsor Rowan Dartington and Sam Evans, Simon Biddle and John Scott for umpiring.

Preparations for the season proper will begin on February 6 when winter nets will commence. The captains will be in touch in due course to inform players of start times, however new players of all standards are always made welcome.

Please contact Gary Morgan on 07501 474445 or Stu Roberts (07733 214888) for details.

Indoor nets

for Belvedere

BELVEDERE Cricket Club start indoor nets tonight (Thurs) at Weston Cricket Club from 7.30-9pm. New players always welcome.